Warranty ........................... inside back cover
16900 Refrigerant Identier1
Safety Precautions
WARNING : To prevent personal injury:
Study, understand, and follow all warnings in this manual before operating this
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unit. If the operator cannot read these instructions, operating instructions and
safety precautions must be read and discussed in the operator’s native language.
—Si el operador no puede leer las instrucciones, las instrucciones de operación y
las precauciones de seguridad deberán leerse y comentarse en el idioma nativo
del operador.
—Si l’utilisateur ne peut lire les instructions, les instructions et les consignes de
sécurité doivent lui être expliquées dans sa langue maternelle.
The Identier is not capable of direct detection and indication of the presence of
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hydrocarbon compounds, which present a ammability hazard when present in
sufcient concentrations. Whenever the identier indicates unknown contaminants
are present, the potential exists for a hydrocarbon ammability hazard.
Operate this unit with either R-12 or R-134a refrigerant. Cross-contamination
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with other refrigerant types causes severe damage to the A/C system, to service
tools, and equipment. Do NOT attempt to adapt the unit for another refrigerant.
Do NOT mix refrigerant types through a system or in the same container.
DO NOT breathe refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure may
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irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Use recycling equipment certied to meet the
requirements of SAE J2210 to remove refrigerant from the A/C system. If
accidental system discharge occurs, immediately ventilate the work area. There
must be adequate ventilation in the vehicle servicing area.
When testing vehicle air conditioning systems, the vehicle ignition must be
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turned OFF. This action prevents EMI / RFI problems as well as eliminates
potential user hazards from moving parts of the vehicle.
The air detection sensor is a chemical fuel cell sensor that will eventually
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expire. The user must replace the air detection sensor whenever the instrument
indicates as such. Failure to replace the air detection sensor will result in nonfunctionality of the instrument.
Wear eye and skin protection when working with refrigerants. Escaping
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refrigerant vapors can freeze upon contact. Do NOT direct refrigerant escaping
from the sample hose toward exposed skin or toward the face.
Connection to power sources greater than 14V DC could cause “out of warran-
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ty” damage. Connection to a battery that is not fully charged, or is smaller than
a typical vehicle battery, may cause errors in reading.
If using the wall power adapter, the adapter's voltage rating must match the AC
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power source. Do NOT use a wall power adapter in areas where it could get wet.
To reduce the risk of battery explosion due to spark generation : First connect
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the RED clip to the positive 12-volt battery terminal; then connect the BLACK
clip to a metal ground location away from the battery.
2
Safety Precautions
CAUTION: To prevent equipment damage,
Sample Filter: Inspect the outside diameter of the white sample lter element before and
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after each use of this instrument. As soon as red spots begin to appear on any portion of the
white element outside diameter, the lter requires replacement. Failure to replace the lter
when so indicated may result in “out of warranty” damage to the instrument.
Sample Input: This instrument requires connection of the sample hose to the low, or vapor,
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side port of the source vehicle or refrigerant cylinder. Connection of the sample hose to
the high, or liquid, port of the source vehicle or refrigerant cylinder will result in “out of
warranty” damage to the instrument. Additionally, the low side or vapor port shall not emit
sample gas in excess of 300 psig or sample gas that contains oil or liquids.
Sample Hose: Inspect the sample hose before and after each use of the instrument.
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Immediately replace the hose if it appears cracked, obstructed, or fouled with oil.
Never use a sample hose other than those approved for use with the Identier. The use of
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other hose types may introduce errors and excessive refrigerant loss.
Verify the refrigerant source to be tested will not emit oil or liquid refrigerant before
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connecting the Identier sample hose.
Never connect the Identier to any refrigerant source that exceeds 300 psi pressure.
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Do not use the coupling supplied on the Identier R-134a sample hose for any purpose other
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than Identier sampling. The coupler supplied on the R-134a hose does not contain check
valves and will continually vent refrigerant.
Never obstruct the sample exhaust or air intakes—located on the front and top of the
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instrument—during use of this tool.
Do not throw, drop, immerse in liquid, or mistreat the instrument.
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Store the instrument in its storage case when not in use.
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Maintain the cleanliness of the instrument to prevent contamination and prolong its life.
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16900 Refrigerant Identier3
Overview
DESCRIPTION OF THE 16900 IDENTIFIER
Contamination of refrigerant in air conditioning systems or storage
cylinders can lead to component corrosion, component destruction,
elevated system head pressure, and system failures when used by
unsuspecting technicians. The ability of a technician to determine
refrigerant type and purity is severely hampered by the presence of
air when attempting to use pressure-temperature relationships. The
development of substitute refrigerants further complicates refrigerant
identication and purity determination based on pressure-temperature
relationships.
The Refrigerant Identier provides a fast, easy, and accurate means
to determine refrigerant type and purity in refrigeration systems and
refrigerant storage cylinders. The instrument utilizes a combination of
infrared and chemical fuel cell technologies to determine purity and
contamination levels of refrigerant R-12 and R-134a, as well as air
concentrations in both refrigerant types.
The instrument is supplied in a rugged, hand-held, injection-molded,
nylon case housed in a corrugated storage case. The storage case will
also house all accessories supplied with the instrument: R-12 sample
hose, R-134a sample hose, R-134a tank adapter tting, battery power
adapter, and wall power adapter.
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Sample gas is admitted into the instrument through the supplied sample
hose and presented to the sensing devices. The instrument provides a
digital readout of refrigerant purity, a pass or fail condition, and the
amount of contamination.
A sample is considered to be pure, or passed, if the concentration has
been determined to be 98% or greater by weight of a single refrigerant
(R-134a or R-12). The instrument also provides an indication of
unknown compounds that may be R-22, hydrocarbons, or other
refrigerants commonly used in blended refrigerant types.
Operating instructions are provided to the user through display prompts
to avoid mistakes and erroneous readings.
Overview
The Identier provides the refrigerant technician with knowledge
of refrigerant purity and protection against equipment and air
conditioning system damage resulting from contamination.
16900 Refrigerant Identier5
Hardware Descriptions
HARDWARE
The instrument houses the following basic components required to
operate the Identier:
1. Case: An injection-molded plastic housing that contains all internal
components.
2. Hanger: Connects into the top of the case and provides the user a
means to hang the instrument above the working area for handsfree operation.
3. Sample Filter: Filters oil mists and particulate from the sample gas
admitted into the instrument to provide trouble-free function of the
detection and sampling components.
4. Control Panel: Consists of a two-line, 16-character, digital
display and two pushbutton switches. The display conveys
analysis results and instructions to the user. The switches provide
a means by which the user can communicate with the instrument
microprocessor during use.
5. Air Intake Port: Admits fresh air into the sampling system to
permit calibration of the infrared and chemical fuel cell detection
devices. Do NOT block or restrict the port hole during use of the
instrument.
6. Sample Exhaust Port: Emits sample gas that has been analyzed
by the instrument. Do NOT block or restrict this port during use of
the instrument.
7. Sample Inlet Port: Permits the connection of either an R-12 or
R-134a sample hose to the instrument.
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Hardware Descriptions
8. Air Detection Sensor: A chemical fuel cell that detects the amount
of air contained within a refrigerant sample.
9. Control Circuit Board: Directs all activities of the instrument
through the embedded microprocessor. The infrared detection
device is also contained on this circuit board and provides all
detection of refrigerant components of the sample gas.
10. Purge Pump: Draws ambient air through the air intake port for
the purpose of detection device calibration and instrument sample
system purging.
11. Power Connector: Accepts installation of either the standard 12V
DC vehicle battery adapter, or the wall power adapter, to provide
operating power.
SAMPLE HOSES
1. R-12 Sample Hose: This is a 6-foot hose made of a nylon inner
tube surrounded by a polyurethane outer tube. The hose contains
the instrument connection tting on one end and a 1/4" SAE female
are nut on the other end. This hose is used when sampling from an
R-12 vehicle system or storage cylinder.
2. R-134a Sample Hose: This is a 6-foot hose made of a nylon inner
tube surrounded by a polyurethane outer tube. The hose contains
the instrument connection tting on one end and an R-134a low-
side coupler on the other end. This hose is used when sampling
from R-134a vehicle systems or storage cylinders.
16900 Refrigerant Identier7
Hardware Descriptions
POWER HARNESSES
1. Vehicle Battery Adapter: This is a 6-foot power cable that has
an instrument mating connector on one end and vehicle battery
connection clips on the other end. This harness is used to connect
power from the vehicle battery to operate the instrument and avoid
the use of extension cords.
2. Wall Power Adapter: This is a 6-foot power cable that has an
instrument mating connector on one end and a plug-in power
transformer on the other end. This harness is used to connect power
from a standard 120 wall power outlet to provide operating power
to the instrument.
Verify the wall power adapter AC inlet voltage is either 115 or
230 so it matches the AC power available.
WARNING
R-134A TANK ADAPTER FITTING
1. This adapter provides a conversion of standard R-134a cylinder
ACME threaded ports to a R-134a low-side coupler stub. This
conversion permits the use of the instrument R-134a sample hose
during refrigerant cylinder sampling.
STORAGE CASE
1. The corrugated storage case houses the instrument and all
accessories, including sample hoses, adapter tting, power
adapters, and the operating manual.
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Operating Procedure
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION
1. Inspect the outside diameter of the white element contained within
the sample lter for any signs of red spots. The appearance of red
spots anywhere on the outside diameter of the element indicates the
lter requires replacement to avoid fouling the instrument.
2. Select the R-12 or R-134a sample hose as dictated by the
application. Inspect the hose for cracks, signs of wear, obstruction,
or fouling. Do NOT use a hose that has any signs of wear. Install
the sample hose onto the sample inlet port of the instrument by
hand-threading the hose end onto the connector.
3. Inspect the air intake port hole, located on the top of the
instrument, and the sample exhaust port, located on the center
bottom edge of the instrument, to verify they are not clogged or
obstructed.
4. Inspect the port of the air conditioning system or storage vessel
from which the sample will be taken. Verify the port will emit
vapor only and will not emit liquids or oil.
5. Install the vehicle battery adapter or the wall power adapter harness
into the power connector of the instrument.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
1. Power the instrument by connecting the power harness to the
vehicle battery or by plugging the wall power adapter transformer
into an appropriate wall outlet.
2. Allow the instrument to warm up for two minutes.
16900 Refrigerant Identier9
Operating Procedure
3. During the warm-up period, enter your local elevation above sea
level into the instrument memory. The instrument is sensitive to
elevation changes of 500 feet (152 meters), and the local elevation
must be entered into the instrument memory upon initial use.
Normal barometric variations do not affect the performance of the
instrument. Once the elevation has been entered, it does not require
entry again unless the instrument is moved to a new elevation.
To locate your local elevation, call your area airport, library, or use
the internet address of www.topozone.com and follow the on-
screen prompts.
The screen USAGE ELEVATION <<<NOT SET>>> is displayed
during warm-up if the elevation has not been set. Set the elevation
as follows:
A. During the warm-up period, depress and hold the B pushbutton
until the display reads USAGE ELEVATION, 400 FEET.
This is the factory default of 400 feet (122 meters).
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B. Use the A and B pushbuttons to adjust the elevation reading,
to the nearest 100-foot (30-meter) increment, to the local
elevation. The A button increases the elevation setting in
100-foot (30-meter) increments. The B pushbutton decreases
the elevation setting in 100-foot (30-meter) increments. The
elevation setting is adjustable from 0-9000 feet (0-273 meters)
and is displayed during adjustment.
C. When the correct setting is reached, allow the instrument to
sit for approximately 20 seconds. Do not push either of the
buttons. The setting is automatically stored into the instrument
memory.
NOTE: Failure to correctly enter the local elevation may result in
detection errors.
Operating Procedure
4. The instrument draws in ambient air through the air intake port
for approximately one minute. Ambient air is used to calibrate the
detection devices and purges the instrument plumbing of residue
refrigerant vapors.
NOTE: For a correct calibration, the surrounding ambient air must
be clear of refrigerant vapors, hydrocarbons, and oxygen-depleting
compounds such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.
5. When prompted by the instrument, connect the free end of the
sample hose to the vehicle air conditioning system or refrigerant
storage cylinder port. Press the A pushbutton. Sample gas
immediately begins to ow into the instrument. The instrument
requires approximately one minute to complete the sample gas
analysis.
6. When the analysis is complete, immediately disconnect the sample
hose from the refrigerant source.
NOTE: The instrument does not contain automatic shut-off, and
refrigerant vapors continue to ow out of the source as long as
the hose is connected. To conserve refrigerant stores and prevent
excess refrigerant venting, do NOT leave the instrument unattended
during analysis cycles. Disconnect the sample hose from the source
immediately after being prompted by the instrument.
16900 Refrigerant Identier11
Operating Procedure
7. The results of the analysis are now presented to the user on the
instrument display.
PASS: Displayed when a sample is detected to have 98% or
greater of R-12 or R-134a by weight. The refrigerant type and air
concentration are also displayed.
FAIL: Displayed when a sample is detected to be a blend of
R-12 and R-134a refrigerants with neither R-12 or R-134a having
98% or greater concentration. The weight percentages of R-12,
R-134a, and air are displayed.
FAIL CONTAMINATED: Displayed when unknown refrigerant
types, such as R-22 or hydrocarbons, have been detected
in concentrations of 4% or greater by weight. No weight
concentrations of refrigerants or air are provided in this mode.
NO REFRIGERANT—CHK HOSE CONN: Displayed when a
sample is detected containing 90% or greater air by weight. This
condition usually occurs when the R-134a sample hose coupler has
not been opened, the sample hose has not been connected to the
sample source, or if there is no refrigerant present in the sample
source.
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8. The instrument keeps the analysis results on the display until the
user presses the A button. Once the A button is pressed, follow the
directions on the screen.
9. If another sample run is desired, follow instructions from Step 5.
If another sample run is not desired, disconnect the power harness
from the vehicle or wall outlet to the end the routine.
Operating Procedure
POST-OPERATION PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the sample hose from the instrument sample inlet
port. Inspect the hose for signs of wear, cracking, oil fouling, or
obstruction, and replace if necessary. Clean the outside of the hose,
and coil and stow it in the storage case.
2. Inspect the sample lter white element outside diameter for the
presence of red spots. If any red spots are found, replace the sample
lter, as directed in the Maintenance Procedures on page 17.
3. Disconnect the power harness from the instrument, clean, coil, and
stow it in the storage case.
4. Clean any dirt, grime, oil, etc., from the outside of the instrument
with a moist rag. Do not use cleaning solutions or water on the
instrument. Stow the instrument in the storage case.
16900 Refrigerant Identier13
Error Codes
ERROR CODES AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
The instrument is supplied with self-diagnostic software to aid in
determining problems. The software will supply error messages that
direct the user toward specic corrective actions in the event of system
failure. Should corrective measures not correct the problem, the user is
advised to contact Robinair at 1-800-822-5561 for assistance.
SAMPLE FAULT: Signies unstable infrared readings due to
inconsistent sample gas supply or interference from strong electrical
elds.
Corrective Actions:
1. If the error code occurs during a sample cycle, verify the sample
hose is receiving sample gas from the source connection of at least
5 psig. Verify the instrument sample exhaust port and air intake
port are not clogged or restricted.
2. If the error code occurs during a calibration cycle, verify the air
intake port and sample exhaust port of the instrument are not
clogged or obstructed.
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3. Keep the unit away from sources of strong electrical elds, such as
large compressors, running vehicles, etc. Move the instrument 3–5
feet away from the electrical eld source, and try again.
4. If the instrument is being used outside of the operating temperature
range of 39–122°F (4–50°C), allow the instrument to warm or cool
to the operating temperature range, and try again. The instrument
may require additional warm-up time after “power up” before use.
5. To clear the error code, power down the instrument. The error code
automatically clears.
Error Codes
DETECTOR FAULT: Signies internal infrared sensor failure due to
temperature extremes.
Corrective Actions:
1. Allow the instrument to stabilize at room temperature for at least
30 minutes before attempting use.
2. To clear the error code, power down the instrument. The error code
automatically clears.
CALIBRATION FAULT: Signies an infrared calibration fault.
Corrective Actions:
1. Verify the air intake port and sample exhaust port of the instrument
are not clogged or obstructed.
2. If the instrument is being used in an enclosed area, refrigerant
vapors may build up in the surrounding atmosphere and be drawn
into the intake port during calibration. Move the instrument to a
location with fresh ambient air, free of refrigerant vapors.
Use the instrument in locations that provide adequate ventilation to
prevent the accumulation of refrigerant vapors in the surrounding
atmosphere.
3. Hang the unit so there is a ow of fresh air around it.
4. To clear the error code, power down the instrument. The error code
automatically clears.
16900 Refrigerant Identier15
Error Codes
AIR SENSOR FAULT: Signies an air detection sensor calibration fault.
Corrective Action:
1. Verify the air intake port and sample exhaust port of the instrument
are not clogged or obstructed.
2.
If the instrument is being used in an enclosed area, oxygendepleting compounds, such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide,
may accumulate in the surrounding atmosphere and be drawn into
the intake port during calibration. Move the instrument to a location
with fresh ambient air, free of oxygen-depleting compounds.
Use the instrument in locations that provide adequate ventilation
to prevent the accumulation of oxygen-depleting compounds in the
surrounding atmosphere.
If error codes indicate that oxygen-depleting compounds are in
the surrounding atmosphere, take immediate action to rid the area
of these compounds, and provide adequate ventilation to prevent
such accumulations. The accumulation of oxygen-depleting
compounds in the surrounding atmosphere present a hazard to
human health.
WARNING
16
3. To clear the error code, power down the instrument. The error code
automatically clears.
RECALIBRATION REQUIRED: The prior calibration is too old and
requires refreshing. This message appears whenever a 3-minute period
elapses from the prior calibration.
Corrective Action:
1. Remove the sample hose connection from the refrigerant source if
so connected. Depress the A button to initiate a new calibration.
Maintenance
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
SAMPLE FILTER REPLACEMENT
Inspection Frequency: Inspect the sample lter before and after
each use of the instrument. Failure to replace the sample lter when so
indicated may result in out-of-warranty damage to the instrument.
What To Look For: Inspect the outside diameter of the white element for
the appearance of red spots or discoloration, which indicate the sample
lter requires replacement. Note: Inspect only the outside diameter. It is
normal to see red indicating dye at the ends of the lter element.
Replacement Procedure:
1. Power down the instrument, and disconnect the sample hose.
2. Obtain replacement lter, Robinair part no. 16913.
3. Remove existing lter by pulling it straight up and out of the
retaining clip, and disconnecting the tube connections. Do not allow
the free tube ends to slip back into the instrument.
4. Discard the existing lter.
5. Install the free ends of the instrument tube onto the ends of the
replacement lter, aligning the lter ow arrow with the arrow on
the instrument case.
6. Carefully slide the tubes back into the instrument case, and position
the lter into its retaining clip on the instrument case.
7. Inspect the sample hoses for signs of oil entrapment. The need
to replace the sample lter may indicate oil contamination in the
sample hoses. Replace or ush the sample hose(s) if oil entrapment
is found.
16900 Refrigerant Identier17
Maintenance
SAMPLE HOSE INSPECTION AND CLEANING
Inspection Frequency: Inspect sample hose(s) before and after each
use of the instrument and after every replacement of the sample lter.
What To Look For: Inspect the inside diameter of the inner tube for
signs of cracking, fouling, oil entrapment, kinks, or other signs of wear.
Oil contamination is cleansed by ushing the hose(s) as described
below. Immediately replace hoses that show signs of wear.
Sample Hose Flushing Procedure:
1.
Remove the hose from the instrument; ush it with isopropyl alcohol.
To prevent personal injury, flush hoses away from sparks,
open flames, or any other ignition source and in an area with
appropriate ventilation.
WARNING
18
2. Dry the hose by blowing clean, dry, oil-free nitrogen or shop air
through the inner tube, or allow the hose to air-dry for several hours.
Do NOT dry the hose with lubricated shop air.
3. When the hose is completely dry, inspect for signs of wear.
AIR DETECTION SENSOR REPLACEMENT
Maintenance
Inspection Frequency:
detection replacement requirements by displaying AIR SENSOR FAULT.
Air Detection Sensor Replacement Procedure:
Refer to Error Codes and Corrective Actions, and try each suggested
action. If the instrument still shows the error code, the air detection
sensor needs to be replaced.
1. Power down the instrument, and remove the sample hose from the
instrument sample inlet port.
2. Remove the sample lter, and unthread the two screws located on
the lter retainer clip.
3. Turn the instrument onto its face, and remove the four large Phillips
head screws from the rear countersunk holes around the outer edge
of the instrument.
4.
Remove the instrument case front to expose the internal components.
5.
Disconnect the air sensor harness (from circuit board located in front
half of instrument case) by pulling it straight out of the connector.
6.
Unthread the air detector sensor from its housing. Discard the spent sensor.
7. Obtain a replacement air detection sensor, Robinair part no. 19712.
Thread it into the housing hand-tight. Verify the o-ring is seated
around the threaded end of the air detector sensor.
The Identier informs the user of possible air
8. Route the sensor harness to the circuit board, and plug it into the
sensor harness header of the circuit by pressing it straight in. The
harness is keyed and ts securely in one direction only.
9. Verify the circuit board is correctly positioned onto the mounting
studs of the instrument case.
10.
Position the housing halves together, and secure with two small
screws located under the lter location and four large rear screws.
Replace the sample lter onto the instrument.
16900 Refrigerant Identier19
Replacement Parts
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts are available directly from Robinair distributors.
To nd the nearest distributor, visit the website at www.robinair.com
Detected Compounds: R-12, R-134a, air, and unknown compounds.
Sensor Technologies: Non-dispersive infrared and chemical fuel cell.
Refrigerant Sample Size: 0.12 ounces (3.5 grams) per typical
sample—weight of vapor loss.
Power (standard or optional): Powered by vehicle battery through
clip-on adapter harness (10–14V DC), or powered by line power
through plug-in wall adapter harness (120V AC, 60 Hz).
Operational Temperature Range: 39–122°F (4–50°C)
Instrument Weight: 2.8 lbs. (1278 grams)
R-12 / R-134a Purity Setpoint:
R-134a, is detected in concentrations equal to or greater than 98% by weight.
Unknown Refrigerant Purity Setpoint: In the presence of detected
unknown refrigerant types, R-12 or R-134a are considered pure if
detected in concentrations equal to or greater than 96% by weight.
Effect of Air Concentrations: Air is not considered a contaminate
and will be removed from the weight concentration determination of
refrigerants. Air concentrations are reported only for blends of R-12
and R-134a refrigerants.
SAE1771: If the refrigerant being tested is identied as contaminated,
any visual percentages displayed of CFC-12 (R-12) or HFC-134a
(R-134a) outside the design certied value is informational and may
not be accurate.
SAE CERTIFICATION NOTE: This equipment has not been design-
certied for contaminate detection of R-124 or R142B.
16900 Refrigerant Identier21
PASS if a single refrigerant, R-12 or
Notes
22
Notes
16900 Refrigerant Identier23
Notes
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Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use and service for a period
of one year after the sale of the product. Exceptions to this
policy will be individually identied. Sole obligation under
this Warrantly shall be to repair or replace any defective
product or parts thereof, which are returned to Seller’s factory,
transportation charges prepaid within the period mentioned
above, and which upon examination are provided to Seller’s
satisfaction to be defective.
The warranty shall not apply to any product or part which has
been subject to misuse, negligence, or accident. The Seller
shall not be responsible for any special or consequential
damages, and the Warranty as set forth is in lieu of all other
warranties either expressed or implied. However, Seller
makes no warranty of merchantability in respect to any
products for any particular purpose other than that stated in
this literature, and any applicable manufacturer’s shop or
service manuals referred to the rein, including any subsequent
service bulletins.
Visit our web site
at
www.robinair.com
or
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call our Toll-Free
Technical Support Line at
800-822-5561
in the continental U.S. or Canada.
In all other locations, contact your local distributor. To help
us serve you better, be prepared to provide the model
number, serial number, and date of purchase.
To validate the warranty, complete the warranty card attached to the unit, and return it within ten days from date
of purchase.
Due to ongoing product improvements, we reserve the right
to change design, specications, and materials without notice.